Meeting with department officials to discuss code requirements, adhering to budgets and facing numerous inspections are just some of the aspects Fred Meier experiences on a regular basis as the owner of Manchester, Connecticut-based Alma Construction, which specializes in renovating public buildings.  For over 35 years, Alma has focused primarily on the design, operation and maintenance of these structures, so Meier understands the importance of using high quality materials to meet both consensus codes and safety standards. 

During a recent home improvement project, Meier applied this philosophy to his own job.  As winter was approaching, bringing with it the likelihood of slick walkways and laborious snow removal, Meier wanted a frost-free driveway that would ensure safer conditions for his family and would enable him to spend time inside rather than out in the cold shoveling.  When it came time to decide on an automatic snow-melting product, he naturally gravitated towards reliable, quality solutions that would stand up to harsh conditions.

Meier researched several heating alternatives including oil-fired circulating water, geo-thermal circulating water and electric radiant heat.  In the end, he chose Orbit Radiant Heating’s electric radiant heating system for its cost-effective, maintenance-free operation. He also felt confident knowing Orbit’s reputation for exceptional customer service in the radiant heating industry and that Orbit is the exclusive US distributor for Nexans, the global experts in high-quality heating cables.

“The cost of using electric radiant heat is significantly less than the other alternatives in terms of installation as well as operation.  The other systems need to run continuously during the winter months in order to work effectively, where as the radiant heating system is activated only at specific temperatures,” said Meier. 

“The alternative systems were running between 25% and 35% more in terms of materials alone.  There were other obstacles with these systems as well, including the installation of another furnace and oil tank for the oil-fired solution and the extra expense of drilling a well for the geothermal circulating system. Electric radiant heat proved to be the easiest and least expensive option,” he continued.

Orbit Radiant Heating provided Meier with Nexans’ exceptional thick, durable heating cables, ensuring reliability and making installation a breeze compared to the fragile, thinner cables of its competitors. By referencing the system’s detailed instruction manual and with the help of Orbit’s experienced technical sales professionals, Meier installed the heating cables in 800 square feet of driveway. He then enlisted a certified electrician to do the hook up.

“Orbit’s technical salesman was extremely helpful and courteous and walked me through the whole process including detailed instructions on the installation.  During the installation process, I was amazed that the 2,681 feet of cable fit perfectly into the area without a problem, “ Meier commented.

Now that the heating system is installed, the Meier family can walk safely across their driveway during the winter months without worrying about the ongoing icing problem stemming from the shade of his house.

“The first snow storm of the season hit us with 13.5 inches of snow and with the help of Orbit’s radiant heating system the driveway was heated and dried almost before the storm ended,” said Meier.

For more information, please contact
Orbit Radiant Heating, 1507 W. Park Ave., Perkasie, PA 18944;
Tel: (215) 453-9228; Fax: (215) 257-7399;
Email: sales@OrbitMfg.com;
Web: www.OrbitMfg.com.

ORB-A-4117

Editorial contacts: 
Christine Dorward, cdorward@simongroup.com, or
Beth Smith, bsmith@simongroup.com

The Simon Group, 215-453-8700

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